Daily Lesson for October 26, 2021

 Today's Daily Lesson comes from Revelation chapter 4 verses 2 through 5:

2At once I was in the spirit, and there in heaven stood a throne, with one seated on the throne! 3And the one seated there looks like jasper and cornelian, and around the throne is a rainbow that looks like an emerald. 4Around the throne are twenty-four thrones, and seated on the thrones are twenty-four elders, dressed in white robes, with golden crowns on their heads. 5Coming from the throne are flashes of lightning, and rumblings and peals of thunder, and in front of the throne burn seven flaming torches, which are the seven spirits of God . . .

There is a lot of debate about what the seven Spirits of God are, just like there is a lot of debate about a whole lot of the symbolic references in the book of Revelation. Watch out when you hear a preacher tell you they've cracked the code. There is no code, and those who say there is are usually trying to sell books and tickets.

So with that said, let me give you one way some of the church fathers and mothers interpreted the meaning of the seven spirits. They read it through the lens of Romans 12, where Paul writes:

"We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully."

They may not have been what John the Revelator had in mind when he had his vision. But what he did have in mind is often impossible to know.

Nevertheless, the seven gifts Paul lays out are as a good a guess as anything, and its nice to consider them before the throne of God: prophecy, service, teaching, encouragement, giving, leadership, mercy.

These are indeed powerful gifts from God, and they surely flow from the throne of God.

May the spirit of these gifts flow through us, and may it strengthen us, our families, our friendships, and the church universal.

Ryon Price is Senior Pastor of Broadway Baptist Church in Fort Worth, Texas.